C.J. Skuse Books in Order

Where to Start with C.J. Skuse: The Recommended Reading Path

If you are new to C.J. Skuse’s wickedly dark and humorous worlds, the best place to begin depends entirely on whether you want a long, chaotic ride with an unforgettable antiheroine or a quick, self-contained mystery. For the ultimate Skuse experience, you should start directly with Sweetpea (2017). This book introduced the world to Rhiannon Lewis, a seemingly ordinary woman with a secret diary documenting her serial-killer exploits. It is her signature work, perfectly showcasing her trademark blend of laugh-out-loud comedy, raw cynicism, and genuine suspense.

However, if you are not ready to commit to a five-book series, the standalone psychological thriller The Alibi Girl (2020) is an excellent alternative starting point. It offers the same twisted character study and unreliable narration but wraps its story up neatly in a single volume. For readers who want to explore her roots in Young Adult (YA) fiction, starting with her debut, Pretty Bad Things (2010), provides a fascinating look at how her talent for crafting flawed, boundary-pushing teenage protagonists developed before she transitioned to writing adult fiction.

The Sweetpea Series in Order

The Sweetpea series is a continuous saga that must be read in strict publication and chronological order. The character development, overarching plotlines, and escalating stakes carry over directly from one book to the next. Reading them out of order will result in major spoilers regarding Rhiannon’s victims, her personal relationships, and the fate of her dark secrets.

Here is the correct chronological and publication order for the Sweetpea series:

1. Sweetpea (2017) – We meet Rhiannon Lewis, who keeps a list of people she wants to kill, and eventually begins crossing them off.
2. In Bloom (2018) – Rhiannon is back, but this time she is pregnant, adding a highly volatile element to her serial-killing lifestyle.
3. Dead Head (2021) – Rhiannon has fled the country and is living under an alias, attempting to start over while keeping her deadly urges in check.
4. Thorn in My Side (2023) – The stakes rise as Rhiannon's past threatens to catch up with her, forcing her back into dangerous corners.
5. The Bad Seeds (2024) – The thrilling culmination of Rhiannon's story, dealing with the next generation and the final reckoning of her deeds.

C.J. Skuse Standalone Novels

Before achieving massive success with adult crime fiction, C.J. Skuse was highly regarded for her young adult novels. These books are completely standalone and can be read in any order. They often feature gritty, complex teenage antiheroines, dealing with crime, obsession, and the macabre with a uniquely British comedic touch.

• Pretty Bad Things (2010) – Follows 16-year-old twins Paisley and Beau on a wild, nostalgic crime spree across England.
• Rockoholic (2011) – A teenage girl accidentally kidnaps her favorite rock star and has to figure out what to do next.
• Dead Romantic (2013) – A sardonically funny twist on the Frankenstein myth, where a teen girl decides to build her own perfect boyfriend from parts.
• Monster (2015) – A dark, atmospheric boarding-school thriller that flirts with supernatural elements and psychological dread.
• The Deviants (2016) – A gripping mystery about a group of childhood friends separated by a tragedy, who reunite to uncover the truth.
• The Alibi Girl (2020) – Skuse's first adult standalone novel, centering on a woman living under multiple fake identities to escape a dark past.

What to Know Before You Start

Before diving into C.J. Skuse's bibliography, it is helpful to understand her unique tone. Often described as a blend of Bridget Jones's Diary and American Psycho, her writing does not shy away from graphic language, dark themes, and morally grey protagonists. If you prefer traditional, heroic characters, her books might shock you; however, if you love rooting for complex, deeply flawed underdogs, her stories are incredibly rewarding.

Additionally, the massive success of the Sweetpea series led to a major television adaptation. The Sweetpea TV Series, starring Ella Purnell as Rhiannon Lewis, premiered on Sky Atlantic and Starz in October 2024. While the television show captures the dark humor and chaotic spirit of the book, it makes several major structural changes to the plot and side characters. Reading the original 2017 novel first is highly recommended to fully appreciate the source material before watching the screen adaptation.

Complete Publication Chronology

For completionists who want to read C.J. Skuse's entire bibliography exactly as it was released to the public, follow this comprehensive order:

1. Pretty Bad Things (2010)
2. Rockoholic (2011)
3. Dead Romantic (2013)
4. Monster (2015)
5. The Deviants (2016)
6. Sweetpea (2017)
7. In Bloom (2018)
8. The Alibi Girl (2020)
9. Dead Head (2021)
10. Thorn in My Side (2023)
11. The Bad Seeds (2024)